PARENTS-to-be are invited to an open evening at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital next week to find out more about a new maternity unit being created there.

A new midwifery-led unit will be close to the hospital’s road, improving access for arriving mums.

It will have two en-suite birthing rooms – both with pools – and a postnatal room with en suite facilities for those needing to stay overnight.

There will be dedicated car parking and the location will improve emergency transfers by ambulance should mothers need obstetric support, available at Poole Hospital. The unit should be open by the summer.

The team will also continue to support women considering a home birth.

The open evening will be held on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Conference Room, Education Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Tea and coffee will be provided.

The team see about 380 births a year in the birth unit and a further 70 home births.

For more information, or if you would like to attend, contact June Loveless on 01202 704220 or email june.loveless@rbch.nhs.uk